Pakistan's top diplomat tells US envoy: implement Islamabad MoU "in letter and spirit"
By The South Asia Times
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has told the US Chargé d'Affaires that implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of June 18 "in letter and spirit is the only way forward".
The meeting with Natalie A. Baker on Friday focused on Pakistan-US bilateral cooperation and recent regional developments. Dar appreciated the positive trajectory in bilateral relations and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for achieving lasting peace.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and security while safeguarding its national interests.
The US diplomat appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability and conveyed felicitations on Pakistan's Independence Day.
The Islamabad MoU, signed in June following Pakistani mediation, aimed to resolve the conflict between the US and Iran by reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting a naval blockade. However, renewed hostilities erupted last month, leading Pakistan to urge both parties to return to the agreement.
Separately, Dar also met with UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott on Friday, discussing bilateral cooperation and regional developments. The Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of sustained high-level contacts and stressed that the Islamabad MoU should be implemented by all parties in letter and spirit, reaffirming that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward.
The UK High Commissioner conveyed warm wishes on Pakistan's Independence Day
